It is that time of year again, and the Salvation Army bell ringers can be seen in front of major stores and other locations with their familiar red kettles to seek donations.

"All donations stay in the local area," said Envoy Donna Griffin.

To dispel rumors of a scam, Griffin said all Salvation Army red kettles have the Salvation Army logo on the top, and volunteers were Salvation Army badges. She said the local organization is working on identification badges for volunteers.

She said donations are used throughout the year to support Salvation Army programs and to purchase certain food items for holiday baskets.

"The rumors are out there," she said.

She said local volunteers do not go door-to-door for donations.

Griffin said volunteers are still needed, as well as toys.

To volunteer, call the Salvation Army at (760) 375-7219.

There will be a Fill the Truck toy drive Dec. 8 in front of Walmart.

The tradition of the red kettles dates back to December 1891 when the Salvation Army captain in San Francisco wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area's poor. While figuring out how to pay for the food, he remembered his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England. He saw a large pot into which passersby threw in donations.

He secured permission from the authorities to place a similar pot at the Oakland ferry landing at the foot of Market Street.

Since then, the tradition has spread throughout the United States and the world.